THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2000
Tiffin has housing grants available
By Erik Burriss
Staff Writer
Tiffin residents have not been taking advantage of the city's Community Housing Improvement Program grants.
"We have plenty of money available," said Karen Bowers, director of development for the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. "We need applicants."
There are three programs for which city residents can apply, Bowers said. Eligibility is determined by income.
First-time home buyers can receive counseling on owning a home and assistance on making a down payment, said Don Corley, director of housing and energy development for the WSOS Community Action Group. WSOS is administering the program for the city.
"We'll help out at any part of the process," Corley said, from people who are just thinking about buying a home to people who have a house picked out and are ready to buy.
"I suggest they come to us as soon as they hear about us," he said.
The second program is for homes that need one major repair to be habitable and safe, Bowers said.
"Primarily for things that are a health or safety hazard," Corley said.
The upper limit for grants under the emergency repair program is $5,000, he said.
The home rehabilitation program is for homes that need major work, Corley said.
WSOS will have the house inspected and put together a bid package to repair all of the things that are not up to standard, Corley said. The owner would receive a combination of grants and loans to pay for the repairs.
Bowers said homes in neighborhoods where the city is making major infrastructure improvements &emdash; such as Fort Ball or the vicinity St. Clair Street -- will receive a priority, but that shouldn't prohibit anyone else for applying.
"At this point, if you have an idea you might qualify, request an application," she said.
Corley said there was enough money in the program to assist six home buyers with down payments, handle 21 home rehabilitations and 13 emergency repairs. Applications have been approved for about one-fourth quarter of those.
Interested home owners can request an application by contacting Bowers at 447-4141 or WSOS at (800) 775-9767.
Work on projects must be completed by May 31, "so now's the time to apply," Corley said.